Granit Meslois takes Gr II Prix Paul Buquet at Vincennes

Granit Meslois (7g Shadow d’Odyssee-Sexy Mesloise) off at 2/1 favorite odds captured the Gr. II International monte Prix Paul Buquet (purse 120,000€, 2850 meters, 12 starters) with ease in 1.12.3kr at Paris-Vincennes.

Victor Saussaye was the winning jockey for trainer Pierre Belloche and Ecurie B. Granit has four wins in his last five starts and 10 career victories in 82 outings. His career earnings advanced to 524,730€.  The 11/1 odds Happy And Lucky (8f Ready Cash-Tosalima) was a distant second with Adrien Lamy aboard for trainer Franck Leblanc and Daniel Jossett the owner. Hirondelle du Rib (6f Rolling d’Heripre) was third at 14/1 for jockey J.L.Cl. Dersoir and trainer Joel Hallais for Ecurie Rib. Frgaro du Larre (8g Royal Dream) was fourth with Benjamin Rochard in the irons for trainer/breeder Sylvain Roger for Ecurie Loa Petteviniere. The well-regarded Hip Hop Haufor, Granvillaise Bleue and Elie de Beaufour were unplaced or miscue dq’s.

In the Prix de Bourigny (purse 71,000€, 2100 meters autostart, 16 starters ages 4-5 years) the Impressively fast Gericault (4m Muscle Hill-Reverie d’Ar-Kuadro Wild) was flying home to victory from a third-tier spot in the final bend. Christophe Martens teamed this three-time winner in 10 starts in FR for trainer Vincent Martens. Ecurie Black And White owns the 226,931€ career winner that was off at 13/1 odds from post 14. Illusion Jipad (5f Boccador de Simm-Toutoune Jipad) was second at 22/1 for driver Eric Raffin with third to 10/1 Canto dei Venti (5g Mago d’Amore) handled by Gabriele Gelormini for trainer H.E. Bondo. Race time was a quick 1.10.1lr off fast fractions (1.07.5kr with 1500 meters to go; 1.08.9kr at the 1000 and 1.09.6kr with 500 meters remaining).

On the weekend at Paris-Vincennes will be the Prix Raoul Belliere a Gr. II monte test for a purse of 120,000. Also featured will be the Prix Doynel de Saint-Quentin also a Gr. II event for 120,000. This is an international test for five-year-old raced 2850 meters. Idao de Tillard, Capital Mail and Inmarosa are starters in this quality field.

by Thomas H. Hicks, for Harnesslink